New US envoy arrives

US Ambassador-Designate to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg: Excited to be here. PHOTO FROM STATE.GOV

MANILA, Philippines—The US Ambassador-Designate to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, arrived in Manila Monday night with the promise to remain by the country’s side as it begins rebuilding typhoon-ravaged Eastern Visayas.

“I arrive at a moment of great challenge in the aftermath of Typhoon ‘Yolanda.’ But we feel motivated by your spirit and impressed by your determination to rebuild lives and livelihoods in the tradition of damayan,” said Goldberg in a one-minute video message posted on the US Embassy Manila’s Youtube channel.

Goldberg was sworn in to his new post on Nov. 21 at the US State Department, shortly after his Senate confirmation that came nearly four months after US President Barack Obama appointed him head of the US mission in Manila.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said during the swearing-in ceremonies in Washington that Goldberg had “accelerated his departure” after the US Senate moved up his confirmation because of the Philippine humanitarian emergency.

“We will be there also as you rebuild. As President Obama has said, ‘When our friends are in trouble, America helps.’ The United States and the Philippines have developed a unique and special friendship based on common values and family ties,” said Goldberg in his video message.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to help strengthen our relationship and see that it endures for many decades to come,” he said.

In a more informal arrival message, Goldberg posted on his Twitter account (@AMBGoldberg): “Arrived in the Philippines. Excited to be here, also thinking of people who are rebuilding their lives after Typhoon Yolanda. Ready to work.”

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